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WaterSafeCheck

ZIP Code 38501 Water Quality Report

Cookeville, TN · Putnam County County

Safety Score
C

Water Safety Grade

Fair — Some compliance concerns

Health Violations

0

Total Violations

7

Lead Risk

Moderate

Contaminants

0

About Tap Water in ZIP Code 38501

Tap water in ZIP code 38501 (Cookeville, TN) receives a C grade (score: 69/100) based on EPA monitoring data. While the water from Cookeville Water Department is treated and regulated, this area has a moderate violation history that residents should be aware of.

Water System

Cookeville Water Department

EPA ID: TN0000133

Water Source

Surface Water

Population Served

48,455 residents

County

Putnam County County, Tennessee

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Lead Levels in ZIP 38501

EPA action level: 15 ppb | Public health goal: 0 ppb

Lead Level: 1.0 ppb — Very Low

The 90th percentile lead level in 38501 is 1.0 ppb, well below the EPA action level of 15 ppb. While this is a reassuring result, the EPA's public health goal for lead is actually zero — no amount of lead is considered completely safe, particularly for children under 6 and pregnant women. Running your tap for 30 seconds before use and using a certified NSF/ANSI 53 filter adds an extra layer of protection.

Lead exposure risk in 38501 is rated Moderate. EPA models estimate a 27% probability of lead exposure risk in this ZIP code based on housing age, infrastructure age, and water system data. This may reflect a mix of older and newer housing stock and infrastructure. Families with young children should test their home's water and consider a certified NSF/ANSI 53 water filter.

Lead Level (90th percentile)
1.00 ppb (0.001 mg/L)
Lead (Consumer Confidence Report)

From annual CCR filing

1 ppb
Lead Exposure Risk Rating
Moderate
Lead Exposure Probability

EPA model estimate based on housing age and infrastructure

27%
Note: Lead levels above are the 90th percentile from EPA monitoring — meaning 90% of samples were at or below this level. Even "undetected" tap water lead doesn't account for lead leaching from home plumbing. If your home was built before 1986, individual tap testing is recommended.
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Violation History

Past 5 years — EPA SDWIS data

Cookeville Water Department has recorded 7 violations, but none are health-based. Administrative or reporting violations don't directly indicate unsafe water, but they do signal gaps in documentation or monitoring procedures. 4 violations are currently unresolved — meaning the issue has not yet been formally corrected in EPA records. This is a serious concern that residents should follow up on with their water utility.

Total Violations (5 yr)
7
Health-Based Violations
0
Unresolved Violations
4
Boil Water Advisories
0
Compliance Risk
High

Regulatory compliance risk is rated High. Cookeville Water Department has a pattern of compliance issues that goes beyond isolated incidents. Residents should stay informed via their utility's Consumer Confidence Report.

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Contaminants Detected

Contaminants with health-based violations on record

No health-based contaminant violations are on record for ZIP code 38501. This means EPA monitoring has not found levels of regulated contaminants exceeding the Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs) set under the Safe Drinking Water Act — a positive indicator of water quality compliance.

⚖ Enforcement Actions

8 enforcement actions have been issued against Cookeville Water Department — a high number that reflects sustained compliance struggles. Enforcement actions escalate from administrative orders to financial penalties when utilities repeatedly fail to meet safe drinking water standards.
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Water Source & Environmental Factors

Surface Water

This system draws water from lakes, rivers, or reservoirs. Surface water is treated to remove sediment, microorganisms, and chemical contaminants before reaching taps.

Water Source Type
Surface Water
CCR Source Classification
Surface Water
EPA Radon Zone

Moderate potential

Zone 2
Annual Flood Risk Cost

Estimated annual flood-related costs per property

$1
Energy Burden

% of household income spent on energy — indicator of older infrastructure

3.1%

EPA Radon Zone 2 — moderate radon potential. The EPA recommends testing your home regardless of zone designation.

🛡 What Should You Do? — ZIP 38501 Recommendations

  • ⚠ Use a certified NSF/ANSI 53 filter for drinking and cooking water if you have young children
  • ⚠ Never give unfiltered tap water to infants in formula — use certified bottled or filtered water
  • ⚠ Request a copy of the Consumer Confidence Report to see what was detected and when
  • ⚠ Call the EPA Safe Drinking Water Hotline: 1-800-426-4791

Frequently Asked Questions — ZIP 38501 Water Quality

Is tap water safe to drink in ZIP code 38501?+
Tap water in 38501 (Cookeville, TN) is treated and regulated, but has a grade of C due to past violations. For most healthy adults, treated tap water is generally safe. Families with infants, young children, or immunocompromised individuals may want to use a certified water filter as a precaution.
What is the lead level in 38501 tap water?+
The 90th percentile lead level in 38501 is 1.0 ppb (parts per billion). The EPA action level is 15 ppb. This is a low level, well below the EPA action level of 15 ppb.
Who provides tap water to 38501?+
Tap water in ZIP code 38501 is provided by Cookeville Water Department (EPA ID: TN0000133). This system serves approximately 48,455 residents. You can contact them directly for Consumer Confidence Reports, current advisories, and billing information.
What is the water source for 38501?+
ZIP code 38501 is served by surface water. Surface water systems draw from rivers, lakes, or reservoirs and must meet strict EPA treatment requirements including filtration and disinfection.
Does 38501 have any active water quality violations?+
Yes — there are currently 4 unresolved violations on record for this water system. Unresolved violations indicate issues that have not yet been formally corrected in EPA tracking systems. Contact Cookeville Water Department for the latest update.
How do I get a copy of my water quality report for 38501?+
Your water utility — Cookeville Water Department — is required by law to send you an annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) by July 1 each year. You can also request it directly from the utility or find it online by searching "Cookeville Water Department Consumer Confidence Report." The EPA's ECHO database also has historical compliance data.
What water filter should I use in 38501?+
The right filter depends on what contaminants are present. For lead, look for a filter certified to NSF/ANSI Standard 53. For chlorine byproducts (like THMs), NSF/ANSI 42 filters work well. For a broad range of contaminants including PFAS, look for NSF/ANSI 58 (reverse osmosis) systems. For ZIP code 38501, with a clean compliance record, a standard carbon block filter meeting NSF/ANSI 42 is a good choice for taste and as a precaution.
Is 38501 tap water safe for babies and infants?+
Infants are especially vulnerable to lead, nitrates, and microbial contaminants in drinking water. Current EPA data for 38501 shows a lead level of 1.0 ppb — below the action level, but as an extra precaution, run your tap for 30 seconds before use and consider a certified lead filter for infant formula. Always consult your pediatrician for guidance specific to your child's health.

Data Sources & Methodology

Water quality data for ZIP code 38501 is compiled from the EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS), EPA ECHO enforcement database, UCMR5 unregulated contaminant monitoring, and Consumer Confidence Reports filed by Cookeville Water Department. Safety scores are composite metrics derived from violation history, lead levels, enforcement actions, and infrastructure risk indicators. Data reflects a 5-year monitoring window. Last dataset update: 2024. View EPA source data →